Dm on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position D – F – A -
1st inversion F – A – D -
2nd inversion A – D – F
How to play Dm on piano
- D is the white key in the middle of a group of two black keys. That is the root.
- Add F (minor 3rd above) and A (perfect 5th above): press D, F and A together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on D, middle finger (3) on F, little finger (5) on A. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
Dm notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Dm/F (1st inversion) and Dm/A (2nd inversion).
Dm on guitar and ukulele
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Dm guitar chord xx0231 -
Dm on ukulele 2210
Which keys use Dm?
Dm is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Dm | ii | predominant |
| A minor | Dm | iv | predominant |
| F major | Dm | vi | tonic |
| D minor | Dm | i | tonic |
| B♭ major | Dm | iii | tonic or dominant |
| G minor | Dm | v | dominant |
Progressions with Dm
- I–V–vi–IV in F major: F – C – Dm – B♭ The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in F major: Dm – B♭ – F – C The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in F major: F – Dm – B♭ – C The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in F major: F – B♭ – Dm – C The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in B♭ major: B♭ – Dm – E♭ – E♭m Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.